A 30-Year-Old White Man Comes to the Emergency Department with Shortness

question 175

Multiple Choice

A 30-year-old white man comes to the emergency department with shortness of breath that began this morning.  The patient has no chest pain, fevers, or chills.  His medical history is insignificant, and he describes himself as healthy.  He does not use tobacco or alcohol.  The patient is physically active and has not traveled recently.  His father died of a heart attack at age 45.  Temperature is 36.1 C (97 F) , blood pressure is 110/80 mm Hg, and pulse is 104/min.  Chest auscultation indicates normal vesicular breath sounds.  There are no heart murmurs.  There is mild swelling of the right lower leg.  ECG shows sinus tachycardia but is otherwise unremarkable.  Laboratory results are as follows: Which of the following is the most likely contributor to this patient's current condition?

• A)Activated protein C resistance
• B)Antiphospholipid antibodies
• C)Antithrombin deficiency
• D)Beta-thalassemia trait
• E)Increased prothrombin biosynthesis

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Definitions:

Brain Regions

Specific areas within the brain that have distinct functions or roles in processing information and controlling behavior.

Stress Hormones

Hormones that are released in the body's response to stress, such as cortisol, which can affect various bodily functions.

Serotonin

A neurotransmitter that contributes to feelings of well-being and happiness, also involved in the regulation of mood, appetite, and sleep.

Glucose

The form of sugar that circulates in the blood and provides the major source of energy for body tissues. When its level is low, we feel hunger.